Bottle of White Horse whisky on table beside glass of neat whisky

Our Brands: White Horse

Taking its name from a famous Edinburgh inn, White Horse is a historic Scottish brand with a rich history. Find out what makes this brand so popular around the world.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Heritage

White Horse whisky traces its history back to 1883 when James Logan Mackie founded his eponymous whisky merchant. James had been a partner in Lagavulin distillery in Islay since 1835, and in 1878, Peter Mackie, James’ nephew, joined his uncle in business at Lagavulin.

In 1890, Peter Mackie saw the potential for a high quality, blended whisky on the international market and proudly introduced White Horse to the world. That same year, the company’s name changed to Mackie & Co.

Mackie named the whisky after the White Horse Cellar Inn in Edinburgh, near to where the Mackie family lived and owned property. Established in 1742, the Inn was the starting point of the Edinburgh to London stagecoach and a place where friends were always welcome.

From these humble beginnings, steeped in Scottish heritage, White Horse has grown in popularity around the world. 

Interesting Facts

  • The White Horse icon stands for loyalty and virility. 
  • White Horse contains at its heart the unique flavour of Lagavulin, a single malt whisky from the island of Islay in the Hebrides.

Making a White Horse Highball

Flavour Profile

White Horse has a full-bodied, peaty flavour and a warm after-taste. The whisky leaves hints of oak, smoke and toffee on the nose and has a finish that is long and slightly complex with notes of oak, spices and creamy vanilla.

White Horse Serves

White Horse is best enjoyed as a small neat serve - complementing a round of beers with friends.

Bottle of White Horse whisky on table beside glass of neat whisky

Test Your Knowledge

Take the White Horse Quiz